THUNDER BAY – The Guardian Angels were out in the downtown Fort William Business District on Friday afternoon. The Angels are starting to get to know the local shop owners, and business owners, talk with local residents and gather needed feedback from people in the area.
Although the temperature in the afternoon was chilly, the Guardian Angels are getting a warm reception from almost everyone they encountered. That is the goal actually, treating people from all walks of life with respect.
As the Guardian Angels move forward in Thunder Bay with the first Canadian Chapter, it is important to realize that the fact is the Angels are simply Thunder Bay residents who care about Thunder Bay and want to help make our city a better place. The Guardian Angels are not police, nor are they security guards.
Guardian Angels Canada Safety Patrols
On Friday afternoon, walking in the downtown Fort William Business District, the Angels met with a lot of different people. They encountered some hostility from one person who thought that they were on the streets as vigilantes. In that instance, the response was typical of the Guardian Angels everywhere, they told the individual that they respect them, and to have a nice day.
The vast majority of the people, from seniors to youth was to greet the two Guardian Angels warmly. Business owners are happy to seen the friendly presence on the streets.
Later Friday night, the teams were around the downtown, and covered about a five mile patrol area. The number of people honking their horns, calling out thanks, and offering support has encouraged the volunteers.
Who are the Guardian Angels?
The Guardian Angels remains a volunteer-based organization made up of dedicated individuals who generously donate their time and energy to help protect communities around the world.
They are not police, nor are they trying in any way to replace the police in any community. In fact in many communities across the United States and in other countries, the police have come to see the Guardian Angels as a positive crime reduction service.
Sometimes just having people on the streets who the public know are there to help will make a difference.
A unique feature of The Guardian Angels approach is the group’s inclusion of inner city youth in the safety patrols. That is one of the coming steps in Thunder Bay.
By making young people part of the solution rather than casting them as part of the problem, The Guardian Angels empower youth to take pride in their communities and contribute to the safety of their neighbourhoods.
For more information on the Guardian Angels visit their Facebook page.
